なまら

なまら
adverb
very; extremely (Hokkaido dialect)
1. very; extremely; really
Hokkaido dialect intensifier equivalent to standard Japanese とても or すごく.
今日(きょう)はなまら(さむ)い。
It's extremely cold today.
このジンギスカンはなまらうまい。
This Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) is really delicious.
なまらしばれるね。
It's freezing cold, isn't it?

DIALECT:
Hokkaido (北海道(ほっかいどう)) dialect, one of the most recognizable features of Hokkaido speech.

STANDARD EQUIVALENT:
とても / すごく / 非常(ひじょう)に (standard Japanese)

ETYMOLOGY:
Believed to derive from (なま) (raw, unprocessed), implying something in its pure, unmitigated form.

USAGE:
Very commonly used in everyday Hokkaido speech, especially among younger speakers. Has gained recognition nationwide through media.

OTHER HOKKAIDO DIALECT WORDS:

  • しばれる - to be freezing cold
  • したっけ - well then; goodbye
  • めんこい - cute
  • ゴミを()げる - to throw away garbage

NOTE:
なまら has become somewhat iconic of Hokkaido identity and is often used playfully by non-Hokkaido speakers when discussing the region.

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